Lakes football rolls to win over North Central
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LAKE LINDEN -- There were opportunities in this game for the North Central Jets in their 44-27 loss to the Lake Linden-Hubbell Lakes at home Saturday at Ron Warner Field. But, that was all they ended up being, opportunities.
The first opportunity came when they had the Lakes pinned near their goal line and forced a punt that led to a turnover on downs and the second when they stopped Lakes senior Brady Axford short of the line to gain but were flagged for a facemask that led to a Lakes touchdown.
"We had our opportunities," Jets coach Leo Gorzinski said. "You can't give a team like that that many good chances you have to play mistake free football and we did not do that and that is what happens."
The Jets did score first as senior Kaden Malone connected with Riley Cretens on a 24-yard TD pass to put the Jets up 6-0.
The Lakes answered with a 28-yard TD run by senior Tyler Axford. The Lakes converted on the two-point attempt to take an 8-6 lead.
"It wasn’t our best performance, but I’m obviously happy with the win," said Lakes coach Brett Gervais. "North Central has always been a good football team. Midseason is a good time to have a test like this. Things went well, and we will learn from this as we push towards the playoffs."
The Jets struck right back as Malone threw his second TD of the game after a lateral by senior Nathan Pipkorn Malone found junior Pryar LaBonte on a 41-yard TD pass and with the extra point took the lead back at 13-8.
"We have good players on this football team," Gorzinski said. "We have to put it together, the inexperience shows our mistakes and we have to clean that up."
With 34 seconds to go in the first quarter, Brady Axford connected with his brother Tyler Axford on a 34-yard TD pass, one of two in the game to put the Lakes back in front 16-13.
"I lose sleep when we play North Central," Lakes coach Brett Gervais said. "These kids have worked hard since middle school to be like this team because they are what you want your team to look like."
The Lakes added to their lead with 6:44 to go in the second quarter as Brady Axford took it 60 yards to the house and the Lakes led 22-13.
The Jets came right back down the field and scored a TD of their own as Malone ran it in from one yard out to cut the deficit to 22-19.
The Lakes struck again right before halftime as Brady Axford threw his second TD pass on a 35-yard strike to Tyler Axford to put the Lakes up 28-19 at the half.
"We have that connection," Brady Axford said. "We have been playing catch in the yard forever and I fully trust him to make the plays."
The Lakes scored first coming out of halftime as Blake Lebo scored on a one-yard TD run and with the two-point conversion extended the Lakes lead to 36-19.
The Jets were not done though as Malone broke free and went 46 yards to paydirt. The two-point conversion cut the deficit to nine at 36-27.
The Lakes put the game away with a 16 yard TD run by Brady Axford with 4:51 to go in the game that put the Lakes up 44-17.
Brady Axford had 23 carries for 218 yards and two rushing TDs for the Lakes and was 3 of 6 through the air for 76 yards and two TDs.
The Jets were led by Kaden Malone who had 15 carries for 94 yards and two TDs as well as 4 for 8 through the air for 118 yards and two TDs.
After the game, coach Gervais said that part of his team’s success had been the versatility of his players. Take for instance the position of quarterback. On Saturday, the Lakes had not one, not two but three different players behind the snapper.
"We need to stay healthy for the end of the season," Gervais said. "So by switching guys up at quarterback and other positions, it helps us with the war of attrition. In sharing the football we have been able to keep guys fresh in a variety of position."
As for the game ball, Gervais was split between senior captains Tyler Axford and Josh Davatilla.
"Tyler has stepped up all season. He is selfless as is Josh," said Gervais. "Josh is choosing to play on a bad ankle. Him being able to lay it out there on the field as asenior is all I ask for. It sets the example for the younger players and is so good to see."
Up next
The Jets return to action Friday night as they travel to Ironwood.